AudioFu

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2026

Affordable dreadnought acoustic guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Country For Folk For Bluegrass For Rock For Singer-Songwriter For Campfire Sessions
BRANDS: Martin Guitar Harley Benton Gibson Furch Yamaha Fender Guild Ibanez Takamine Epiphone Taylor DAngelico Lakewood Applause Cole Clark Maton Baton Rouge Cort Framus Seagull
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN

by Harley Benton
Bluegrass Country Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Balanced across all frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
  • • Balanced across all frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Less comfortable for smaller players
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WNAcoustic GuitarDreadnought designDovetail constructionSolid sitka spruce...

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 414098
$384
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN W/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN W/Case

by Harley Benton
Rock Folk Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Powerful projection and volume
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced across all frequencies
  • • Great for strumming
✗ CONS
  • • Less comfortable for smaller players
  • • Large body may be uncomfortable

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN W/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41S WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 540429
$438
Buy at Thomann View Details
Epiphone Dove Studio - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Epiphone Dove Studio

by Epiphone
Rock Bluegrass Country
Key Feature:
• Rich bass response
✓ PROS
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
  • • Balanced across all frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity
  • • Less comfortable for smaller players

Epiphone Dove StudioSteel-String GuitarSolid spruce topMaple back and sidesMaple neckIndian Laurel fretboardPearloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 298044
$450
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild D-240E Flamed Mahogany - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Guild D-240E Flamed Mahogany

by Guild
Country Rock Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Balanced across all frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Powerful projection and volume
  • • Rich bass response
✗ CONS
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking
  • • Less comfortable for smaller players

Guild D-240E Flamed MahoganySteel-string GuitarBody design: DreadnoughtSolid Sitka spruce topBody: Flamed mahogany...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 432915
$417
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Country Folk Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Great for strumming
✓ PROS
  • • Great for strumming
  • • Balanced across all frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Requires good playing technique
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 545394
$493
Buy at Thomann View Details
Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce

by Breedlove
Country Campfire Sessions Folk
Key Feature:
• Balanced across all frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Great for strumming
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
✗ CONS
  • • Large body may be uncomfortable
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought SpruceAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: Solid European spruceCascade bracingBack...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 618728
$439
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN

by Harley Benton
Bluegrass Folk Campfire Sessions
Key Feature:
• Great for strumming
✓ PROS
  • • Rich bass response
  • • Powerful projection and volume
✗ CONS
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WNAcoustic Guitar with PickupDreadnought designDovetail constructionSolid sitka...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 414099
$439
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha FG820 SBII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Yamaha FG820 SBII

by Yamaha
Bluegrass Folk Country
Key Feature:
• Powerful projection and volume
✓ PROS
  • • Great for strumming
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
✗ CONS
  • • Large body may be uncomfortable
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity

Yamaha FG820 SBIISteel-String GuitarTop: Solid spruceBack & sides: Laminated mahoganyNeck: NATOFretboard &...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 510970
$417
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Rock Folk Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Powerful projection and volume
✓ PROS
  • • Rich bass response
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
✗ CONS
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 540430
$460
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton HB Custom Line CLD-10SC w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Harley Benton HB Custom Line CLD-10SC w/Case

by Harley Benton
Folk Singer-Songwriter Campfire Sessions
Key Feature:
• Great for strumming
✓ PROS
  • • Great for strumming
  • • Powerful projection and volume
✗ CONS
  • • Requires good playing technique
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity

Harley Benton HB Custom Line CLD-10SC w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HB Custom Line CLD-10SCE...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 568267
$318
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case

by Harley Benton
Singer-Songwriter Rock Country
Key Feature:
• Great for strumming
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced across all frequencies
  • • Rich bass response
✗ CONS
  • • Requires good playing technique
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 550407
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
Richwood D-65-VA Master Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Richwood D-65-VA Master Series

by Richwood
Bluegrass Folk Campfire Sessions
Key Feature:
• Classic dreadnought tone
✓ PROS
  • • Great for strumming
  • • Balanced across all frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Large body may be uncomfortable
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking

Richwood D-65-VA Master SeriesSteel-String GuitarType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid A Grade sitka spruceTop purfling:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 608208
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender CD-140SCE All Mah - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Fender CD-140SCE All Mah

by Fender
Country Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Balanced across all frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
  • • Great for strumming
✗ CONS
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking
  • • Large body may be uncomfortable

Fender CD-140SCE All MahSteel String Guitar with PickupBuild: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid mahogany (Swietenia...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 404786
$380
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender CD-140SCE Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Fender CD-140SCE Sunburst

by Fender
Campfire Sessions Country Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Classic dreadnought tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
  • • Powerful projection and volume
✗ CONS
  • • Requires good playing technique
  • • May lack upper-mid clarity

Fender CD-140SCE SunburstSteel String GuitarBody shape: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 401135
$380
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15M w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15M w/Case

by Harley Benton
Rock Folk Country
Key Feature:
• Powerful projection and volume
✓ PROS
  • • Classic dreadnought tone
  • • Balanced across all frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Can overpower fingerpicking
  • • Large body may be uncomfortable

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15M w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15M*Steel-String...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 540478
$318
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced dreadnought acoustic guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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